Correlates of sexual minority women's sexual behavior.

Sexual minority women (SMW) experience sociocultural barriers to healthcare access and utilization. A common misconception is that SMW are at lower risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Such stereotypes, coupled with prioritization of reproductive health care for heterosexual women and STI prevention for men, contribute to fewer STI testing and appropriate reproductive examinations for SMW.

Self-Reported Sexual Behavioral Similarities and Differences Among Young Men Who Have Sex With Men With Childhood Sexual Abuse Histories: A Qualitative Exploratory Study.

Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) have the highest burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is a risk factor for high-risk sexual behavior and STI acquisition. Studies that have explored sexual behavior based on the type of reported sexual abuse are limited.

After Sexual Identity Disclosure: An Ecological Perceptive of LGB Young Adults.

Objectives A plethora of research exists concerning determinants prior or during the sexual identity disclosure process; yet, information is limited concerning internal and external experiences after one discloses his or her sexual identity to their social support system. Through the lenses of the Social Ecological Model, the purpose of this study was to further understand the current lived experiences of persons in post-sexual identity disclosure. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted among 15 lesbian, gay, and bisexual young adults.

Perceptions of Physical Sexual Health Among Young Men Who Have Sex with Men with a Previous History of Childhood Sexual Abuse.

Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) has been reported to be disproportionately higher among young men who have sex with men (YMSM) than among heterosexual men. Most research and public health programs among YMSM CSA survivors have been mainly infectious disease-based, and research on the physical sexual health among this group is limited. This study sought to further understand components of physical sexual health among YMSM with CSA histories.

African-American Women's Perceptions and Experiences About Breastfeeding.

There are health benefits to breastfeeding for both mothers and their children. The preventive health effects of breastfeeding continue into adulthood, lowering rate of various chronic illnesses. African-American women, especially of lower socioeconomic status, are less likely to breastfeed in comparison to their racial and ethnic counterparts.

Preferences of Gay and Bisexual Men for Pharmacy-Based HIV Testing and Over-the-Counter HIV Tests.

A 2013 study among 169 Indiana men aged 18-45 who have sex with men assessed the acceptability of and preferences for pharmacy-based and over-the-counter (OTC) HIV testing. Rural men in general and men who did not know their HIV status were more likely to purchase an OTC HIV test. Men who did not know their HIV status also preferred an OTC HIV test to pharmacy-based testing.

A novel, self-guided, home-based intervention to improve condom use among young men who have sex with men.

Objective: This pilot study tested the efficacy of a brief, novel, theory-driven, self-guided, home-based intervention designed to promote condom use among young men who have sex with men (YMSM).

Participants: Thirty YMSM were recruited from a large public US midwestern university during spring of 2012.

Methods: The intervention was tested using a repeated measures design with the primary follow-up assessment occurring 6 weeks after enrollment.

Institutional and structural barriers to HIV testing: elements for a theoretical framework.

Stigma is a barrier to HIV health seeking, but little is known about institutional and structural expressions of stigma in HIV testing. This study examines evidence of institutional and structural stigma in the HIV testing process. A qualitative, grounded theory study was conducted using secondary data from a 2011 HIV test site evaluation data in a Midwestern, moderate HIV incidence state.